Video Equipment recommendations

Never let equipment get in the way of creating videos. Nearly everyone has a perfectly decent video camera that we carry in our pockets, so get out and start shooting. That said, there are some items of equipment that can help improve the quality of your videos.

Below are some basic recommendations, but there are many workable options on the market.

Please reach out to the video team at krodtnick@uada.edu before purchasing these items so we can make sure you get exactly what you need. 

Keeping the shot steady

• Tripod or Monopod – if you want your shot to be smoother than handheld, the easiest option is to purchase a tripod or monopod. We’ve listed two options below, but nearly any tripod on the market should work for basic video production
• Tripod Option 
• Monopod Option 
• Smart phone tripod holder

Microphones

Option 1:

• Rode Lavalier Microphone — this microphone plugs directly into your camera or phone (if you have a 3.5 mm jack) 
• Rode Lavalier Extension Cable — if you plan on being more than a few feet away from your camera, you may want this extension cord

Note: For iPhone models that do not have 3.5 mm input, you will need an adapter for your microphone:

• Lightning to TRRS 3.5 mm Adapter

Option 2:

• Rode Wireless GO Wireless Microphone — The Road Wireless GO is a great option for wireless microphones. You can pair this with the Rode Lavalier Microphone (Option 1 above) to achieve high quality wireless audio. This can also be used alone, as the transmitter includes a built-in microphone.

Voice Over Audio

There are many reasonably-priced, high-quality voice over/podcasting microphones available on the market. If you plan to use your smartphone to record your voice over, we recommend either the Rode or Polsen microphones recommended above. If you're recording directly to a computer, we can recommend the following:

• Blue Yeti USB Microphone

To help reduce loud "p" sounds (pops), you may want to consider a simple pop filter to place between you and the microphone:

• Auray Pop Filter with Gooseneck and Springloaded Clamp

Lighting

Some very basic lighting can improve the quality of your video immensely. Simple clamp lamps paired with 100W LED bulbs can work very well.

This simple ring light is another option, although many similar products exist that would also work well.

For more in-depth recommendations, please contact the video team via our help request form.

 

 

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